My heart was pounding, I was bound to win. I mean, I did have the best piece here.

But as I waited for them to announce first place, I got more and more nervous. I looked up at Jenny and Olivia, who had been awarded second and third place.

The red head judge raised the microphone to her lips, “And first place goes to Johnathan Lee!”

“What?” I heard myself say without letting myself say it.

Everyone stopped and looked at me.

“But…but I have the best piece! Doesn’t that say ‘Laura Clark’? Maybe it got smudged.” I fretted, I didn’t even place! As I kept talking, I started to feel embarrassed. I’m such a snob!

I turned my head to look at my art. The girl in my painting stared back at me. Even she seemed to have a look of disapproval.

“I have the best piece yet.” I stammered, “I do- don’t I?”

“If you would stop feeling sorry for yourself- Johnathan deserves this medal.” The red head judge snapped.

And with that, they put the medal around his shoulders, said his name again, and everyone left with their art.